volunteer FAQs

General

What kinds of positions are available?

The complex nature of Mercy Ships projects and programs demand a wide range of skills. For a current list of positions available, please click here.

How long can I serve?

Mercy Ships provides opportunities to serve for various lengths of time, both in a shorter-term or longer-term capacities. Those wishing to serve for more than one field service must first successfully complete On Boarding Program (Foundations of Mercy Ships & Gateway). All positions have both minimum and maximum commitment lengths.

Please note: A married person applying to serve without their spouse will only be accepted for a maximum of three (3) months.

What health or age restrictions apply?

We require all volunteers in good physical condition. All applicants are required to complete a medical history, physical evaluation, and Immunization Check List. Some pre-existing medical conditions (for example: insulin dependent diabetes, heart conditions, pregnancy, immune suppressed conditions, etc.) may disqualify service at some operating locations due to maritime regulations and availability of medical care. We require all volunteers to be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit for service.

Are physically impaired people able to volunteer with Mercy Ships?

Due to the limited confines of a Mercy Ship and compliance with ship safety standards, it is not possible for physically disabled persons to volunteer on a Mercy Ship.

What are the immunization requirements?

We require several different inoculations for all crew members coming on board.

Yellow Fever

Hepatitis B

MMR

Tetanus / Diptheria

Tuberculosis testing

For those working in the Hospital, Dental Team, and Engineering, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are also required.

Note: For those joining only during shipyard in the Canary Islands, the only required immunization is Tetanus/Diphtheria.

Why is TB testing required before joining Mercy Ships?

While tuberculosis is not as prevalent in the West as it is in Africa, our volunteers are at risk of exposure while serving. We accept crew from all over the world – including areas more prone to TB infection – so we need to ensure none of our volunteers have active TB when they join, given the close living conditions on the ship a case would risk infecting the crew.

This policy is also in keeping with modern standards from multiple health organizations and infection prevention and control recommendations that all people working in a hospital (in this case, all crew) be tested annually for tuberculosis.

Does Mercy Ships cater to special diets?

How much does it cost to serve with Mercy Ships?

Volunteers pay for their transportation to and from the ship’s location as well as crew fees and all personal expenses. Crew fees vary depending on the length of commitment as well as what nation the volunteer comes from.

Can Mercy Ships help me raise funds?

We have developed fundraising materials to help you communicate and raise funds to support your time with us. Additionally, depending on the position, need and availability of funding, we sometimes provide financial assistance to ensure continuity in critical positions. If interested, please indicate on your application that you would like assistance in fundraising.

Is it safe to live on board the Africa Mercy in West & Central African nations? What security measures are in place?

Mercy Ships holds the security of its crew, which includes volunteers from some thirty to forty nations, in highest priority. Mercy Ships does not serve in conflict areas, although it has served in post-conflict venues, such as Sierra Leone and Liberia, after the cessation of hostilities. Our security protocol is developed from assessments conducted by our Advance Team as well as input from various embassies and government officials. Mercy Ships employs 6 full-time Gurkha security guards, supervised by our own Ship Security Officer. There are trained security personnel on duty 24/7. While a Mercy Ship vessel is always prepared to cast off in an emergency situation, none has been required to do so in its thirty-five year history.

Prior to the vessel arriving in a developing nation for a field service period, an Advance Team conducts a security assessment, and findings are provided to the CSO for consideration in advanced security planning. Such assessments are based on input from different governments with embassies in-country, input from NGO and multilateral agencies, and on-the-ground surveys. When the ship is in a developing nation for a ten-month field service period, a working relationship is established with the Regional Security Officer, usually an individual on the US Embassy staff, as well as other relevant contacts. The local security situation is carefully monitored and security protocols are put in place as necessary. At times a host nation may experience varying degrees of political and ethnic tension, requiring such protocols as avoiding certain routes or areas, or otherwise ensuring the safety of crew and patients, and the uninterrupted delivery of services.

Mercy Ships complies with the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) and has a regulatory approved Ship Security Plan (SSP) for its vessel, Africa Mercy. Mercy Ships Company Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for compliance and administration oversight of the approved SSP. The CSO or his designate is available 24/7 to respond to any incidents identified by the ship’s master.

In accordance with the signed protocol with a host nation, its government is responsible for providing port security:

5.7.2 Security. The [HOST NATION] and Port Authority, pursuant to International Ship and Port Security Code, shall provide adequate security arrangements for the vessel and the crew at all times. All security measures shall be provided by and paid for by the [HOST NATION].

This security covers the entrance of the port to the gangway of the ship, and may involve one or more control points/perimeters. Most ports visited are in compliance with ISPS codes.

Mercy Ships contracts with British Gurkha Overseas Service (BGOS) for the provision of qualified security guards that control access to a hospital ship. There are six Ship Security Guards onboard, supervised by a Ship Security Officer (SSO). The SSO maintains appropriate liaison with local security forces of each country the ship visits.

A Mercy Ship sails much less than most commercial vessels, with some 20 days a year at sea. Mercy Ships closely monitors multiple streams of information regarding risk areas at and plans its routes carefully. It maintains best practices when sailing and maintains anti-piracy protocols and equipment. Security incidents in its service region have occurred predominantly with commercial vessels anchored or moored offshore, and have primarily involved oil cargoes.

Is proficiency in English required in Mercy Ships?

Yes. English proficiency is required for all positions in Mercy Ships, and fluency is required for some positions.

While Mercy Ships does not at this time require proof of examination, we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a reference for English proficiency. All volunteers must be at level B1 on the CEFR scale (Independent User – Threshold or Intermediate) or higher in order to join on board.

Level B1 summary:

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.

Can deal with situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.

Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.

Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Is a foreign language required to serve in Mercy Ships?

No. However a working knowledge of French is very beneficial for several countries in which we serve.

If I serve on one of the ships, will I be working with the local people?

All of our volunteers work with the local people to some degree. Some (for example, those who serve in the hospital) will likely have more direct contact, but there are opportunities throughout the week made available for crew to participate in during their time off from work. These include visits to prisons, orphanages & program sites as well as working with the 100 or so local Day Workers who work on board during the field service.

What do crew do after work?

After work, crew often get together for fellowship and fun. This may include going out for dinner or dessert, playing games in one of the lounges on board or on one of the decks, watching movies, or attending an informal Bible study/prayer meeting. Others use the time after work to email friends, write home, practice music or get involved with the many Mercy Ministry opportunities conducted off the ship.

Where does the ship pick me up?

All volunteers fly to the ship’s location (usually in West Africa) and join the ship there. Sailing isn’t involved unless your service dates are in line with the sail from the field service location to the maintenance location, or from the maintenance location to the next field service location.

What does the ship’s schedule typically look like?

Typically, the Africa Mercy will be docked in a West African country for around 10 months out of the year involved in active field service. During the months of June-August, the ship undergoes maintenance and repairs. During these months, the Hospital is closed, though we do still staff non-medical positions. Please click here for a more detailed schedule.

Where can I get more information about volunteering with Mercy Ships?

To obtain more information about volunteering with Mercy Ships, we suggest you click here to join myMercy, our online community. You can also attend a Foundations of Mercy Ships (FMS) program at the International Support Center (ISC) in Texas, which is offered 3-4 times per year.

In addition, we offer an Introduction to Mercy Ships-Europe program in the Netherlands twice a year for our European applicants.

Family

Can married couples with/without children serve onboard?

Housing for couples and families is very limited and is reserved for longer-term crew and/or critical positions. A final decision on couples housing may be delayed until 2 months prior to the time of service. Family housing is reserved for long-term crew where one spouse is filling a critical position.

Can single parent families volunteer to serve onboard?

The ship is very limited in the number of family cabins available and therefore they must be allocated to crew that can work full-time in a critical operational position on board. When we accept any family unit, we expect one of the parents to work full-time while the other parent’s main responsibility (due in a large part to safety issues) would be to take care/watch after their children when they are not in school. This would not work in the case of the single-parent family, as their time would have to be split between their parental and shipboard duties and therefore not allowing the crew member to work full-time.

How many children are on board?

There are about 50-55 children between the ages of one and eighteen living on board the Africa Mercy during the school year.

What are the advantages for children living on board?

Children are exposed to many different cultures and nationalities. They have opportunities to join the family in serving. The Academy offers a great Christian school with small classes and excellent academics. There are lots of people around that provide positive role models for children to interact with.

What are some of the disadvantages for children living on board?

Separation from extended family. Lack of freedom and boredom. Limited facilities and extracurricular activities such as gym, sports, dance, etc. Children have a much smaller pool of children in their age group. Making friends and then having to say “good byes” when they leave.

What is the Academy?

The Academy was founded in 1979 to provide a Christian education for the children of crew members. Instruction from a Christian point of view is offered for children of Nursery age through to completion of High School.

Mercy Ships Academy brings glory to God by fully equipping each student with the foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill God’s purposes in their lives. We do this by partnering with parents in developing Christian character in their children through teaching values based on a genuine biblical worldview within the structure of a quality academic education; meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each student. The Mercy Ships Academy uses an international standards based curriculum and follows the educational standards of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Middle states Association.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the Academy?

The great thing about the Academy is the small class size, which means each student can get more individual attention. However, it can be challenging for students and teachers to live and work together within healthy boundaries.

How long are the school days and how much homework do students have?

The school day starts at 8AM and finishes at 3:20PM. Amount of homework depends on the age and grade level of the student. Preschool hours are from 8AM-12PM or 9AM-12PM, depending on the age and preschool year.

What is the average class size?

There are typically six to eight students per class.

How are the classes divided?

What do kids do during the summer or when the Academy is closed?

Many families use this time to take leave of the ship, visit family, work on fundraising, etc. The Academy’s summer holiday typically coincides with the ship’s maintenance period/dry dock period (June and July).

When are school breaks scheduled?

Typically there is a mid-school break for approximately two weeks from before Christmas through the first week of January, and there is a break for about two months (usually June & July). The school calendar changes based on the ship maintenance schedule. If you would like to be connected to a family on board with children of a similar group to yours, please ask a recruiter!

What is there to do as a family on our off-time?

Depending on the location, there are typically local hotels with pool facilities. There are a few local beaches, however most are not safe for swimming. There are other crew activities arranged, days out to different local places of interest, markets, nice restaurants, etc. There is a children’s covered play area on Deck 8 and a much smaller one on Deck 7, and a pool on Deck 8. There is an Internet Café, and also a well-stocked library of books and DVDs. There are also plenty of opportunities to travel and see the country in which we are serving.

What would our cabin be like and how big are the beds?

The cabins vary in size (6-berth and 4-berth) according to how many in your family. A few of the six berth cabins have 3 small bedrooms (2 rooms for the kids with bunks) and a master bedroom. Some 6 berth cabins have 2 bedrooms (2 small bedrooms for the kids with bunks) and a pull-out couch in the den for mom and dad. Each has their own bathroom and kitchenette and ample storage space.

What are the special rules for children?

On the whole, the ship is a safe and family friendly environment. There are some guidelines for children’s protection, and of course, parents are ultimately responsible for their children. Younger children (under 10) must be supervised at all times, and cannot wander around the ship without an adult.

Are diapers available on board?

Unfortunately, diapers are not available for purchase onboard. However, families can purchase them online and have them delivered to the International Support Center (ISC) in Texas for transport in the regularly scheduled container sent to the ship approximately every six weeks.

Is there an orthodontist on board?

We have a crew dentist on board who cares for the dental needs of our long-term crew as well as emergency care for short-term crew. The Crew Dentist can also assist by making minor adjustments to braces as long as the patient has clear directions from their orthodontist. However, the Crew Dentist is not an orthodontist, so the overall treatment must be supervised by your own orthodontist.

Medical

What surgical procedures do you perform on board?

Do I need to be a registered nurse?

Yes, Registered Nurses are preferred for most nursing positions, but we do have opportunities for other licensed personnel.

What opportunities does Mercy Ships offer for allied health professionals?

See table below:

Can a Nurse Anaesthetist join as an Anaesthesia Provider?

Yes, we do accept Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists or the national equivalent as Anaesthesia Providers. However, they must first join as an Anaesthetic Assistant.

Mercy Ships is a remote environment where supervision by a physician anaesthesiologist cannot be guaranteed at all times. CRNAs wishing to work as an Anaesthesia Provider must understand and agree to work in this situation and be able to take full responsibility for their actions. CRNAs therefore are expected to apply for an Anaesthesia Assistant position in order for Mercy Ships to assess their comfort and skill level prior to joining as a Provider.

As a surgeon, what can I expect during my first time on board?

Due to the complexities of our surgical cases, surgeons who have not previously served with Mercy Ships will be paired with an alumni as the primary surgeon for each case.

Do you use general surgeons?

Yes. The surgical procedures performed most frequently are inguinal herniorrhaphies for large hernias and thyroidectomies.

Do you use medical or nursing students?

Medical and nursing students often ask to join Mercy Ships as an elective session or to get exposure/experience in a developing country, however; we are unable to accommodate these requests because the majority of the positions in the hospital require a current license and we do not have personnel or bed space on board currently to facilitate these opportunities.

There are positions which do not require a license (such as Hospital Sterilizer or Hospital Supply Assistant), but often they do not meet a medical or nursing student’s objectives.

Do I need experience before volunteering?

Mercy Ships requires at least 2 years of post-licensed experience before volunteering for most medical positions in the hospital.

Does my license need to be current?

You must hold an active license in good standing in your home nation. You will be asked to submit copies of your license, diploma, and relevant certificates. It will expedite the application process if you send these with your application. Upon acceptance, you may also be asked to submit a registration document in our host nation.

Do I need malpractice insurance?

Mercy Ships operates in a host country pursuant to a protocol in which host government agrees to hold harmless all Mercy Ships staff and volunteer medical providers based on due diligence by Mercy Ships to provide qualified providers and that negligence is not involved. Furthermore, legal council advises that suits brought outside of the host country are a possibility in our increasingly litigious world. Each medical provider should check with their own insurance carrier as to their exposure that results from volunteer international activities. Mercy Ships is looking into options to provide this but at this time is unable to offer any malpractice insurance for volunteer medical workers with the exception of the Crew Physician and Hospital Physicians.

What is the minimum commitment?

Based on the orientation required and need for consistency, a minimum commitment is specified for each position. While it is easier for a member of the surgical team to come for only two weeks, ward nurses require a more extensive orientation and therefore come for a minimum of two months.

What will my schedule be (night/weekends/etc.)?

Schedules vary depending on where you work. Ward and ICU nurses work rotating shifts, which will include nights and weekends. Operating Room staff and other ship-based teams tend to work weekdays, day shifts. Some days may be long.

Dental personnel, community health educators, eye field team members, mental health team members, and palliative care team members work off the ship Monday through Friday. This means they are usually in a hot environment and wet during the rainy season.

Nurses can expect to work approximately 10 shifts in every 2-week period. You will usually receive one weekend off every two weeks. All shifts are 8 hours, including weekend shifts. You will work a mixture of day and evening shifts, with 4-5 night shifts in a 4-week period. Night duty is expected of all ward nurses. Shift times are as follows:

Day: 7AM – 3PM

Evening: 2PM – 9.30PM

Night: 9PM – 7:30AM

What are the nursing responsibilities on the ward?

You will care for 5-7 patients of varying acuity on a day or evening shift. On a night shift, you will care for approximately 10 patients. We have a busy surgical ward, so you will care for patients with simple incision lines and more complicated skin graft dressings, surgical drains, NG tubes, urinary catheters, IV fluids, IV antibiotics, nasopharyngeal airways and occasionally tracheostomies. When you arrive, you will be given the opportunity to tell us how comfortable you are with certain skills and this will be taken into consideration when you are allocated a patient assignment. We have an ICU where ICU nurses care for ventilated and critically ill patients.

Do I need to bring my own scrubs?

Scrubs are provided for those who are involved in direct patient care. You may choose to bring your own scrubs if you like a bit of personal style, etc. Mercy Ships launders the scrubs we provide. However you are responsible for laundering any personal scrubs.

What are the medicines we use on board?

Mercy Ships International follows the World Health Organization recommendations for essential medicines and has had its own essential medicines formulary book with dosage guidelines since 2003.

Maritime/Technical

Do I need seaman’s papers to serve on board?

Both the Deck and Engineering departments (technical crew) consist of licensed and non-licensed crew members, depending on position. For example, all officer and rating positions do require current certificates of seafarer training. Other positions on board, such as entry-level positions and skilled trades (carpenters, welders, electricians, etc.) do not require maritime licensing.

What kinds of certificates are required to serve in deck or engineering?

This varies with the position. All technical crew should have a current certificate of Basic Training (BT) according to STCW standards. For licensed crew members, a valid certificate of competency is required, in addition to the other position-specific requirements as listed on the job descriptions. Missing something? We may be able to help you receive certain certifications through our Maritime Training Center. If you have questions, please contact our Technical Recruiter, Thomas Roacho.

Note: Some national certificates are not recognized by the flag state of our vessels (Malta). We will review your certificates during the application process.

Will my service time on the Mercy Ship count toward a Merchant Marine Certificate?

That depends on your licensing or certifying administration. You will do best to consult with them on any restrictions or limitations they may impose. The fact that our ships spend most of their time in port, as do many ‘stand-by’ vessels, means that some maritime administrations may not accept service time on board our ships, or they may accept it at a reduced rate; for example one day’s credit for each three days served.

Will my Navy experience benefit Mercy Ships?

That depends on what your specialty was, and what training and experience you’ve had. With regard to certificates, since we are required to follow merchant marine training and certificate standards, typically there is not a direct equivalent of your naval rating or commission. However, we would be more than happy to discuss your specific skills and training to see if you may be a fit within our technical crew.

Why does Mercy Ships register its ships in Malta?

Because of the international nature of our organization, we register our vessels in Malta, because it is one of the few flag states that place little restriction on the nationalities of the technical crew.

Is Mercy Ships compliant with safety and environmental regulations?

Malta is signatory to IMO conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, AND STCW. We comply with these and other international regulations, as surveyed and audited by member societies of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). In addition to the international regulations, Malta, as a member of the European Union, imposes additional national regulations with which the ship must comply.

How much time is spent at sea?

The typical 12-month cycle of a Mercy Ships vessel is:
8-10 months in port during field service in West Africa,
6-8 weeks in shipyard and dry dock
4-6 weeks cumulative sailing between field services and shipyard.

I’m interested in a maritime career, but I don’t have any experience. Can Mercy Ships help?

Applying to Join

Are background or criminal record checks required?

Background checks or criminal record checks are required for certain positions, including the following:

Teachers / Academy staff (a valid Working with Children certificate or equivalent would also be sufficient)

Finance / Sales staff

Chaplaincy

Crew and Hospital Physicians

Any individual who would like to volunteer with the youth group on board, or volunteer with the Academy

All checks / certificates are held valid by Mercy Ships for two years.

How long does it take to be reviewed?

Mercy Ships is able to begin reviewing applications as soon as all application items are submitted for the applicant. Reviews can take anywhere from one week to several. Timing depends on several factors including necessity of interviews, application workload, and timing of the staffing period.

All applications go through the following reviews prior to final acceptance on board:

Position review – are you qualified for the position for which you’ve applied?

Other reviews are based on expected commitment length, but may include:

Chaplaincy review

Academic review (if coming with your family)

Are interviews required?

Depending on the position for which you’ve applied, an interview via Skype or phone call may be required. Typically we do not conduct interviews for those applying to join for less than a year, though at times the supervisor on board may request one in an effort to better understand your previous work experience and suitability for the role, as well as provide you with details of the position and what you could expect if approved.

Typically we would interview for the following positions:

All managers

Communications team

Academy teachers

Senior engineers and officers

Chaplains

Information Services team

Finance team

Supply team

Human Resources team

Staff Development team

Administrative positions

HOPE Center team

We may also conduct a brief interview if there are concerns regarding English language proficiency, as we require CEFR English Level B1 on board (minimum). Please refer here for more details.

What is the Talent Pool (or Talent Pipeline)?

If the appropriate position is not available when you would like to join, or if you are not available now, but would like to be “on call” for the future, we encourage you to complete an application. This will be reviewed along with any required credentials (licenses, registrations, skills, etc.) as appropriate for the position. Once we verify you would qualify for the role, you will be approved for our Talent Pool (or Pipeline).

We do send regular updates to members of the Talent Pool, as well as contact them when their role becomes available on board (whether through a last-minute cancellation or by normal staffing cycle).

How far in advance should I apply to volunteer with Mercy Ships?

If possible, applications should be sent in for processing at least 3 to 6 months in advance. For some positions and for some time periods, additional time is required.

What references are required to apply?

When applying to serve with Mercy Ships, three references are required; one from your pastor or spiritual leader, one from a friend, and one from your employer. If you are a medical professional, please use the “Medical Professional Reference Form” in lieu of the Employer Reference.

Please note: If you are not able to provide an employer or pastor/spiritual leader reference, return the reference forms along with a note explaining why it is left blank. Submit a substitute reference from a person who has functioned in a supervisor/mentor or coach role for you.

Can I apply if I am not a Christian or currently not attending a church?

Mercy Ships welcomes short term volunteers who would like to give of their time, efforts and expertise, regardless of religion. We regularly have non-Christians and/or those who are not currently a member of church apply to volunteer. Although the vast majority of our staff and volunteers are followers of Jesus, we will consider all applicants. However, all volunteers must have a lifestyle consistent with our Core Values and be willing to adhere to our Code of Conduct.

How do I apply?

Applications for service with Mercy Ships are accepted year-round. Processing usually takes 2-6 weeks. Everything you need to know about applying for a Mercy Ships volunteer position can be found here.

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